The Dynamics of Welfare Dependency and the Reorientation of Empowerment Strategies for the Akit Tribe in Indonesia

Abstract

Empowering indigenous communities is an important part of inclusive development, especially for those who still face limited access to resources, economic opportunities and meeting basic needs. The Akit tribe, as part of Indonesia's social and cultural wealth, has the right to obtain empowerment programs that are appropriate to local conditions and potential. However, social, economic and environmental changes require a more adaptive empowerment approach so that programs do not stop at providing assistance, but are able to produce sustainable change. This article aims to analyze the need for reorientation of the Akit Tribe's empowerment approach and formulate directions for strengthening programs that are more contextual, effective and oriented towards community independence. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach through observation, interviews with local communities and stakeholders, and analysis of empowerment program documents. Data is analyzed thematically by identifying needs, potential, capacity and suitability of programs to local conditions. The results of the study show that reorientation is needed through strengthening community assets, increasing capacity, participating in the planning process, and adapting programs to local social and economic conditions. This approach can also support accurate budget utilization and sustainability of program results. The implication is that the reorientation of empowerment can be a framework for strengthening the development of indigenous communities that is adaptive and has the potential to be developed in communities with relatively similar socio-cultural characteristics.